FORT MYERS — Wonderful timing.
Red Sox first baseman Hanley Ramirez hasn't actually played first base this spring because of soreness in his throwing shoulder. Ramirez is able to throw but only at short distances.
Manager John Farrell said Monday morning that no MRI has been taken at this point and indicated there's no expected interference with his participation in the World Baseball Classic. Ramirez, of course, could simply be the designated hitter.
But with Ramirez set to join the Dominican Republic team's on March 3 — and his bat extra important to the Sox this year, the first without David Ortiz — the WBC is far from ideally timed for him and the Sox.